Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

I accompanied a friend to file some paperwork, and mistakenly we went to the office on the 500 block. It was large, had more than enough seats in the waiting areas, access to telephone and internet resources, had a washroom, hand sanitizer at every kiosk, it was cool and welcoming on a hot summer day, and the woman at the end of the line to assist the people was kind and helpful. She directed us over to the office a block down, that in comparison, clearly defined the where our community and government systems are failing the citizens.The office, upon entry was small, hot to the point where the building had the smell of many people, who obviously weren’t able to practice good regular hygiene. This prompted me to wash my hands, however the washroom was clearly ‘out of service’. The hand sanitizer pump on the wall next to it was bone dry. There was an area partitioned off with chalkboards, for children who come with their family or what have you; unfortunately, there was no chalk. The employees were behind wickets, that barricaded them and separated them from the wait area. One employee who was dealing with a man in a motorized scooter, was audible enough to strike a chord in me, (just by her tone and deliverance,) to be on alert. It sounded like she was talking down to her client. A tone that could make anyone feel bad about themselves. As the man was leaving, he encountered a bit of trouble maneuvering his scooter to fit through the door way. He barely made it out! I’m sure if he could walk securely out that door, he would have. I was shocked at the Way I felt inside the building. The experience between the two Service Canada buildings was night and day. It’s seems to me that people who seek assistance, for any number of reasons are seen and assisted in a place that has been forgotten, poorly maintained, and soured over time by cases of misfortune, sadness, fear, poverty. If this level of service is what we provide to those who need help to survive month to month, then the patrons will never be truly helped.This is where our society is failing it’s people. Kick them when their down, so to speak. Help them when they can do for them selves. Be kind, deciphering government forms and documents can be tricky for most-it’s not something we learn in school, not is it coached by the providers, we are assumed to know and understand the steps, the verbiage and the processes that our situation requires. I hope that I never become disabled, or require the services of this building or sector, as I don’t see hope, security or self worth being on the list of services provided.

I would rather be kicked in the head rather than have to go here but, sometimes you just have to go. As usual long lines and long waiting time but that is nothing new. I have had good experiences here so I can not say that it will never get a 5 star rating but not today.

Good

Good place

Very friendly and helpful.

So helpful and get what you need done fast and efficiently.No complaints from me.